Bicycle chain connecting link

ABSTRACT

A bicycle chain connecting link comprises a link pin and a link plate. The link pin has a center axis. The link plate comprises an elongated opening, a guiding portion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The elongated opening comprises an insertion opening and an attachment opening connected with the insertion opening. The guiding portion is configured to engage with the groove of the link pin to guide the link pin between the insertion opening and the attachment opening. The first protrusion is provided between the insertion opening and the attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of a head portion of the link pin. The second protrusion is provided between the insertion opening and the attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of an intermediate portion of the link pin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of theU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/207,504 filed Mar. 12, 2014. Thecontents of this application are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain connecting link.

2. Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One component that has been recently redesigned is a bicyclechain.

Most bicycles have a drive train that uses a bicycle chain to transmitthe pedaling action from the rider to the rear wheel. The bicycle chainhas a plurality of inner links and a plurality of outer links that areinterconnected in an alternating manner by a plurality of pins.Typically, each of the inner links includes a pair of inner plates. Eachof the outer links includes a pair of outer plates. One end of thebicycle chain is connected to the other end of the bicycle chain using aconnecting link.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclechain connecting link comprises a link pin and a link plate. The linkpin has a center axis. The link pin comprises a main-body, a headportion, and an intermediate portion. The main-body extends along thecenter axis. The head portion is spaced apart from the main-body alongthe center axis. The intermediate portion is provided between themain-body and the head portion and couples the head portion to themain-body. The intermediate portion has an outer diameter smaller thanan outer diameter of the main-body and than an outer diameter of thehead portion to define a groove between the main-body and the headportion. The link plate comprises an elongated opening, a guidingportion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The link pin isremovably attached to the elongated opening. The elongated openingcomprises an insertion opening and an attachment opening connected withthe insertion opening. The guiding portion is configured to engage withthe groove of the link pin to guide the link pin between the insertionopening and the attachment opening. The first protrusion is providedbetween the insertion opening and the attachment opening and isconfigured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of the headportion. The second protrusion is provided between the insertion openingand the attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative toan outer periphery of the intermediate portion.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the first aspect is configured sothat a total length of the guiding portion and the first protrusion isdefined in an axial direction parallel to the center axis, and the totallength of the guiding portion and the first protrusion is longer than aminimum axial distance defined between the head portion and themain-body in the axial direction parallel to the center axis.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the second aspect is configured sothat an axial length of the second protrusion is defined in the axialdirection. The axial length of the second protrusion is shorter than theminimum axial distance.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the first aspect is configured sothat the link plate further comprises an additional guiding portion, athird protrusion, and a fourth protrusion. The additional guidingportion is configured to engage with the groove of the link pin to guidethe link pin between the insertion opening and the attachment opening.The third protrusion is provided between the insertion opening and theattachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the head portion. The fourth protrusion is providedbetween the insertion opening and the attachment opening and isconfigured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of theintermediate portion.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the fourth aspect is configured sothat a total length of the additional guiding portion and the thirdprotrusion is defined in the axial direction. The total length of theadditional guiding portion and the third protrusion is longer than theminimum axial distance.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the fifth aspect is configured sothat an axial length of the fourth protrusion is defined in the axialdirection. The axial length of the fourth protrusion is shorter than theminimum axial distance.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the fourth aspect isconfigured so that the third protrusion is spaced apart from the firstprotrusion to define a first minimum distance between the firstprotrusion and the third protrusion. The first minimum distance isshorter than the outer diameter of the head portion. The fourthprotrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion to define a secondminimum distance between the second protrusion and the fourthprotrusion. The second minimum distance is shorter than the outerdiameter of the intermediate portion.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the seventh aspect isconfigured so that the additional guiding portion is spaced apart fromthe guiding portion to define a sliding-passage width between theguiding portion and the additional guiding portion. The first minimumdistance between the first protrusion and the third protrusion is longerthan the sliding-passage width defined at a position at which the firstminimum distance is defined when viewed from the axial direction. Thesecond minimum distance between the second protrusion and the fourthprotrusion is shorter than the sliding-passage width defined at aposition at which the second minimum distance is defined when viewedfrom the axial direction.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the fourth aspect is configured sothat the first protrusion is arranged to come into contact with the headportion disposed in the attachment opening at a first timing. The secondprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a second timing. The thirdprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the head portiondisposed in the attachment opening at a third timing. The fourthprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a fourth timing. At leasttwo of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, and thefourth timing are different from each other.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclechain connecting link according to the fourth aspect is configured sothat the first protrusion is arranged to come into contact with the headportion disposed in the attachment opening at a first timing. The secondprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a second timing. The thirdprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the head portiondisposed in the attachment opening at a third timing. The fourthprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a fourth timing. At leasttwo of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, and thefourth timing are equal to each other.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, abicycle chain connecting link comprises a first link pin, a second linkpin, a first link plate, and a second link plate. The first link pin hasa first center axis. The first link pin comprises a first main-body, afirst head portion, and a first intermediate portion. The firstmain-body extends along the first center axis. The first head portion isspaced apart from the first main-body along the first center axis. Thefirst intermediate portion is provided between the first main-body andthe first head portion and couples the first head portion to the firstmain-body. The first intermediate portion has an outer diameter smallerthan an outer diameter of the first main-body and than an outer diameterof the first head portion to define a first groove between the firstmain-body and the first head portion. The second link pin has a secondcenter axis. The second link pin comprises a second main-body, a secondhead portion, and a second intermediate portion. The second main-bodyextends along the second center axis. The second head portion is spacedapart from the second main-body along the second center axis. The secondintermediate portion is provided between the second main-body and thesecond head portion and couples the second head portion to the secondmain-body. The second intermediate portion has an outer diameter smallerthan an outer diameter of the second main-body and than an outerdiameter of the second head portion to define a second groove betweenthe second main-body and the second head portion. The first link platecomprises a first securing portion, a first elongated opening, a firstguiding portion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The firstmain-body of the first link pin is secured to the first securingportion. The second link pin is removably attached to the firstelongated opening. The first elongated opening comprises a firstinsertion opening and a first attachment opening connected with thefirst insertion opening. The first guiding portion is configured toengage with the second groove of the second link pin to guide the secondlink pin between the first insertion opening and the first attachmentopening. The first protrusion is provided between the first insertionopening and the first attachment opening and is configured to beslidable relative to an outer periphery of the second head portion. Thesecond protrusion is provided between the first insertion opening andthe first attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relativeto an outer periphery of the second intermediate portion. The secondlink plate comprises a second securing portion and a second elongatedopening. The second main-body of the second link pin is secured to thesecond securing portion. The first link pin is removably attached to thesecond elongated opening.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the eleventh aspect isconfigured so that a first total length of the first guiding portion andthe first protrusion is defined in a first axial direction parallel tothe first center axis. The first total length is longer than a secondminimum axial distance defined between the second head portion and thesecond main-body in a second axial direction parallel to the secondcenter axis.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the twelfth aspect isconfigured so that an axial length of the second protrusion is definedin the first axial direction. The axial length of the second protrusionis shorter than the second minimum axial distance.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the eleventh aspect isconfigured so that the first link plate further comprises a firstadditional guiding portion, a third protrusion, and a fourth protrusion.The first additional guiding portion is configured to engage with thesecond groove of the second link pin to guide the second link pinbetween the first insertion opening and the first attachment opening.The third protrusion is provided between the first insertion opening andthe first attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relativeto the outer periphery of the second head portion. The fourth protrusionis provided between the first insertion opening and the first attachmentopening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer peripheryof the second intermediate portion.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that a second total length of the first additional guidingportion and the third protrusion is defined in the first axialdirection. The second total length is longer than the second minimumaxial distance. An axial length of the fourth protrusion is defined inthe first axial direction. The axial length of the fourth protrusion isshorter than the second minimum axial distance.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that the third protrusion is spaced apart from the firstprotrusion to define a first minimum distance between the firstprotrusion and the third protrusion. The first minimum distance isshorter than the outer diameter of the second head portion. The fourthprotrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion to define a secondminimum distance between the second protrusion and the fourthprotrusion. The second minimum distance is shorter than the outerdiameter of the second intermediate portion.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the sixteenth aspect isconfigured so that the first additional guiding portion is spaced apartfrom the first guiding portion to define a first sliding-passage widthbetween the first guiding portion and the first additional guidingportion. The first minimum distance between the first protrusion and thethird protrusion is longer than the first sliding-passage width definedat a position at which the first minimum distance is defined when viewedfrom the first axial direction. The second minimum distance between thesecond protrusion and the fourth protrusion is shorter than the firstsliding-passage width defined at a position at which the second minimumdistance is defined when viewed from the first axial direction.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the eleventh aspect isconfigured so that the second elongated opening comprises a secondinsertion opening and a second attachment opening connected with thesecond insertion opening. The second link plate further comprises asecond guiding portion, a fifth protrusion, and a sixth protrusion. Thesecond guiding portion is configured to engage with the first groove ofthe first link pin to guide the first link pin between the secondinsertion opening and the second attachment opening. The fifthprotrusion is provided between the second insertion opening and thesecond attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative toan outer periphery of the first head portion. The sixth protrusion isprovided between the second insertion opening and the second attachmentopening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer peripheryof the first intermediate portion.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the eighteenth aspect isconfigured so that a third total length of the second guiding portionand the fifth protrusion is defined in a second axial direction parallelto the second center axis. The third total length is longer than a firstminimum axial distance defined between the first head portion and thefirst main-body in a first axial direction parallel to the first centeraxis.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the nineteenth aspect isconfigured so that an axial length of the sixth protrusion is defined inthe second axial direction. The axial length of the sixth protrusion isshorter than the first minimum axial distance.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that the first protrusion is arranged to come into contactwith the second head portion disposed in the first attachment opening ata first timing. The second protrusion is arranged to come into contactwith the second intermediate portion disposed in the first attachmentopening at a second timing. The third protrusion is arranged to comeinto contact with the second head portion disposed in the firstattachment opening at a third timing. The fourth protrusion is arrangedto come into contact with the second intermediate portion disposed inthe first attachment opening at a fourth timing. At least two of thefirst timing, the second timing, the third timing, and the fourth timingare different from each other.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle chain connecting link according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that the first protrusion is arranged to come into contactwith the second head portion disposed in the first attachment opening ata first timing. The second protrusion is arranged to come into contactwith the second intermediate portion disposed in the first attachmentopening at a second timing. The third protrusion is arranged to comeinto contact with the second head portion disposed in the firstattachment opening at a third timing. The fourth protrusion is arrangedto come into contact with the second intermediate portion disposed inthe first attachment opening at a fourth timing. At least two of thefirst timing, the second timing, the third timing, and the fourth timingare equal to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle chain connecting link inaccordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linktake along line of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a link pin of the bicycle chainconnecting link illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a link plate of the bicycle chain connectinglink illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linktake along line VI-VI of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linktake along line VII-VII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the link plate take along lineVIII-VIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the link plate take along line X-Xof FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the link plate ofthe bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linkfor explaining a method of assembling the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linkfor explaining the method of assembling the bicycle chain connectinglink illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain connecting link forexplaining the method of assembling the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain connecting link inaccordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a bicycle chain connecting link in accordancewith a third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a link plate of a bicycle chain connectinglink in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 17 (corresponding to FIG. 6);

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 17 (corresponding to FIG. 7);

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 shows patterns of relationship between first to fourth timingsin the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 shows patterns of relationship between the first to fourthtimings in the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 shows patterns of relationship between fifth to eighth timingsin the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 shows patterns of relationship between the fifth to the eighthtimings in the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 25 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain connecting linkillustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 shows patterns of relationship between ninth to twelfth timingsin the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 27 shows patterns of relationship between the ninth to twelfthtimings in the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 28 shows patterns of relationship between thirteenth to sixteenthtimings in the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 29 shows patterns of relationship between the thirteenth tosixteenth timings in the bicycle chain connecting link illustrated inFIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle chain connecting link 10in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated. The bicycle chainconnecting link 10 comprises a first link pin or a link pin 12(hereinafter referred to as the first link pin 12), a second link pin ora link pin 14 (hereinafter referred to as the second link pin 14), afirst link plate or a link plate 16 (hereinafter referred to as thefirst link plate 16), and a second link plate or a link plate 18(hereinafter referred to as the second link plate 18). The first linkpin 12 is secured to the first link plate 16 and is removably attachedto the second link plate 18. The second link pin 14 is secured to thesecond link plate 18 and is removably attached to the first link plate16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second link pin 14 has substantiallythe same shape as a shape of the first link pin 12, and the second linkplate 18 has substantially the same shape as a shape of the first linkplate 16. However, the second link pin 14 can have a shape differentfrom a shape of the first link pin 12 if needed and/or desired, and thesecond link plate 18 can have a shape different from a shape of thefirst link plate 16 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the bicycle chain connecting link 10 is configured toconnect a first end 2 of a bicycle chain C to a second end 4 of thebicycle chain C. Inner link plates 2 a and 2 b provided at the first end2 of the bicycle chain C is rotatably attached to the first link pin 12.Inner link plates 4 a and 4 b provided at the second end 4 of thebicycle chain C is rotatably attached to the second link pin 14.

As seen in FIG. 4, the first link pin 12 has a first center axis or acenter axis A1 (hereinafter referred to as the first center axis A1).The first link pin 12 extends along the first center axis A1. The firstlink pin 12 comprises a first main-body or a main-body 12 a (hereinafterreferred to as the first main-body 12 a), a first head portion or a headportion 12 b (hereinafter referred to as the first head portion 12 b),and a first intermediate portion or an intermediate portion 12 c(hereinafter referred to as the first intermediate portion 12 c). Thefirst main-body 12 a extends along the first center axis A1. The firsthead portion 12 b is spaced apart from the first main-body 12 a alongthe first center axis A1. The first intermediate portion 12 c isprovided between the first main-body 12 a and the first head portion 12b and couples the first head portion 12 b to the first main-body 12 a.The first intermediate portion 12 c has an outer diameter R11 smallerthan an outer diameter R12 of the first main-body 12 a and than an outerdiameter R13 of the first head portion 12 b to define a first groove ora groove 12 d (hereinafter referred to as the first groove 12 d) betweenthe first main-body 12 a and the first head portion 12 b.

As seen in FIG. 4, the second link pin 14 has a second center axis A2.The second link pin 14 extends along the second center axis A2. Thesecond link pin 14 comprises a second main-body 14 a, a second headportion 14 b, and a second intermediate portion 14 c. The secondmain-body 14 a extends along the second center axis A2. The second headportion 14 b is spaced apart from the second main-body 14 a along thesecond center axis A2. The second intermediate portion 14 c is providedbetween the second main-body 14 a and the second head portion 14 b andcouples the second head portion 14 b to the second main-body 14 a. Thesecond intermediate portion 14 c has an outer diameter R21 smaller thanan outer diameter R22 of the second main-body 14 a and than an outerdiameter R23 of the second head portion 14 b to define a second groove14 d between the second main-body 14 a and the second head portion 14 b.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first link plate 16 comprises a first securingportion 20, a first elongated opening or an elongated opening 22(hereinafter referred to as the first elongated opening 22), a firstguiding portion or a guiding portion 24 (hereinafter referred to as thefirst guiding portion 24), and a first protrusion 26. The firstelongated opening 22 is spaced apart from the first securing portion 20in a first longitudinal direction D1 of the first link plate 16. Thefirst link plate 16 has a first longitudinal axis A3 and extends alongthe first longitudinal axis A3. The first longitudinal direction D1 isparallel to the first longitudinal axis A3. In the illustratedembodiment, the first link plate 16 has a symmetrical shape with respectto the first longitudinal axis A3. The first link plate 16 can, however,have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first longitudinal axisA3 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first main-body 12 a of the first link pin 12 issecured to the first securing portion 20. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, thefirst securing portion 20 includes a first securing hole 20 a to whichthe first main-body 12 a of the first link pin 12 is secured. As seen inFIG. 3, for example, the first link pin 12 is press-fitted in the firstsecuring hole 20 a.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second link pin 14 is removably attached to thefirst elongated opening 22. More specifically, the first elongatedopening 22 comprises a first insertion opening or an insertion opening22 a (hereinafter referred to as the first insertion opening 22 a) and afirst attachment opening or an attachment opening 22 b (hereinafterreferred to as the first attachment opening 22 b) connected with thefirst insertion opening 22 a. The second head portion 14 b is to beinserted into the first insertion opening 22 a when the second link pin14 is attached to the first link plate 16. The second head portion 14 bis at least partially disposed in the first attachment opening 22 b in astate where the bicycle chain connecting link 10 is assembled.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first guiding portion 24 protrudes inwardly froman inner periphery of the first elongated opening 22. The first guidingportion 24 is configured to guide the second link pin 14 in the firstlongitudinal direction D1. The first protrusion 26 is provided betweenthe first insertion opening 22 a and the first attachment opening 22 b.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first guiding portion 24 is configured toengage with the second groove 14 d of the second link pin 14 to guidethe second link pin 14 between the first insertion opening 22 a and thefirst attachment opening 22 b. The first guiding portion 24 includes afirst sliding surface or a sliding surface 24 a (hereinafter referred toas the first sliding surface 24 a) slidable with the second head portion14 b.

As seen in FIG. 6, the first protrusion 26 protrudes from the firstsliding surface 24 a to be slidable with an outer periphery of thesecond head portion 14 b. The first protrusion 26 protrudes from thefirst sliding surface 24 a in a first axial direction or an axialdirection D2 (hereinafter referred to as the first axial direction D2)parallel to the first center axis A1 of the first link pin 12. The firstprotrusion 26 radially inwardly protrudes from the inner periphery ofthe first elongated opening 22.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first link plate 16 further comprises a firstadditional guiding portion or an additional guiding portion 28(hereinafter referred to as the first additional guiding portion 28) anda third protrusion 30. The first additional guiding portion 28 protrudesinwardly from an inner periphery of the first elongated opening 22. Thefirst additional guiding portion 28 is configured to guide the secondlink pin 14 in the first longitudinal direction D1. The third protrusion30 is provided between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first additional guiding portion 28 isconfigured to engage with the second groove 14 d of the second link pin14 to guide the second link pin 14 between the first insertion opening22 a and the first attachment opening 22. The first additional guidingportion 28 includes a first additional sliding surface or an additionalsliding surface 28 a (hereinafter referred to as the first additionalsliding surface 28 a) slidable with the second head portion 14 b.

As seen in FIG. 6, the third protrusion 30 protrudes from the firstadditional sliding surface 28 a to be slidable with the outer peripheryof the second head portion 14 b. The third protrusion 30 protrudes fromthe first additional sliding surface 28 a in the first axial directionD2. The third protrusion 30 radially inwardly protrudes from the innerperiphery of the first elongated opening 22.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first additional guiding portion 28 is spacedapart from the first guiding portion 24 to define, between the firstguiding portion 24 and the first additional guiding portion 28, asliding passage P1 through which the second intermediate portion 14 c ofthe second link pin 14 is to pass. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst guiding portion 24 and the first additional guiding portion 28form an annular protrusion provided along the inner periphery of thefirst elongated opening 22. However, the first guiding portion 24 can bea separate portion from the first additional guiding portion 28 ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second link plate 18 comprises a second securingportion 32 and a second elongated opening or an elongated opening 34(hereinafter referred to as the second elongated opening 34). The secondelongated opening 34 is spaced apart from the second securing portion 32in a second longitudinal direction D3 of the second link plate 18. Thesecond link plate 18 has a second longitudinal axis A4 and extends alongthe second longitudinal axis A4. The second longitudinal direction D3 isparallel to the second longitudinal axis A4. In the illustratedembodiment, the second link plate 18 has a symmetrical shape withrespect to the second longitudinal axis A4. The second link plate 18can, however, have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the secondlongitudinal axis A4 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second main-body 14 a of the second link pin 14is secured to the second securing portion 32. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 5,the second securing portion 32 includes a second securing hole 32 a towhich the second main-body 14 a of the second link pin 14 is secured. Asseen in FIG. 3, for example, the second link pin 14 is press-fitted inthe second securing hole 32 a.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first link pin 12 is removably attached to thesecond elongated opening 34. More specifically, the second elongatedopening 34 comprises a second insertion opening or an insertion opening34 a (hereinafter referred to as the second insertion opening 34 a) anda second attachment opening or an attachment opening 34 b (hereinafterreferred to as the second attachment opening 34 b) connected with thesecond insertion opening 34 a. The first head portion 12 b is to beinserted into the second insertion opening 34 a when the first link pin12 is attached to the second link plate 18. The first head portion 12 bis at least partially disposed in the second attachment opening 34 b ina state where the bicycle chain connecting link 10 is assembled.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second link plate 18 further comprises a secondguiding portion 36 and a fifth protrusion 38. The second guiding portion36 protrudes inwardly from an inner periphery of the second elongatedopening 34. The second guiding portion 36 is configured to guide thefirst link pin 12 in the second longitudinal direction D3. The fifthprotrusion 38 is provided between the second insertion opening 34 a andthe second attachment opening 34 b.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second guiding portion 36 is configured toengage with the first groove 12 d of the first link pin 12 to guide thefirst link pin 12 between the second insertion opening 34 a and thesecond attachment opening 34 b. The second guiding portion 36 includes asecond sliding surface or a sliding surface 36 a (hereinafter referredto as the second sliding surface 36 a) slidable with the first headportion 12 b.

As seen in FIG. 7, the fifth protrusion 38 protrudes from the secondsliding surface 36 a to be slidable with an outer periphery of the firsthead portion 12 b. The fifth protrusion 38 protrudes from the secondsliding surface 36 a in a second axial direction or an axial directionD4 (hereinafter referred to as the second axial direction D4) parallelto the second center axis A2 of the second link pin 14. The second axialdirection D4 is parallel to the first axial direction D2 in a statewhere the bicycle chain connecting link 10 is assembled. The fifthprotrusion 38 radially inwardly protrudes from the inner periphery ofthe second elongated opening 34.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second link plate 18 further comprises a secondadditional guiding portion or an additional guiding portion 40(hereinafter referred to as the second additional guiding portion 40)and a seventh protrusion 42. The second additional guiding portion 40protrudes inwardly from an inner periphery of the second elongatedopening 34. The second additional guiding portion 40 is configured toguide the first link pin 12 in the second longitudinal direction D3. Theseventh protrusion 42 is provided between the second insertion opening34 a and the second attachment opening 34 b.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second additional guiding portion 40 isconfigured to engage with the first groove 12 d of the first link pin 12to guide the first link pin 12 between the second insertion opening 34 aand the second attachment opening 34 b. The second additional guidingportion 40 includes a second additional sliding surface or an additionalsliding surface 40 a (hereinafter referred to as the second additionalsliding surface 40 a) slidable with the first head portion 12 b.

As seen in FIG. 7, the seventh protrusion 42 protrudes from the secondadditional sliding surface 40 a to be slidable with the outer peripheryof the first head portion 12 b. The seventh protrusion 42 protrudes fromthe second additional sliding surface 40 a in the second axial directionD4. The seventh protrusion 42 radially inwardly protrudes from the innerperiphery of the second elongated opening 34.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second additional guiding portion 40 is spacedapart from the second guiding portion 36 to define, between the secondguiding portion 36 and the second additional guiding portion 40, asliding passage P2 through which the first intermediate portion 12 c ofthe first link pin 12 is to pass. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond guiding portion 36 and the second additional guiding portion 40form an annular protrusion provided along the inner periphery of thesecond elongated opening 34. However, the second guiding portion 36 canbe a separate portion from the second additional guiding portion 40 ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 7, the first link plate 16 further comprises a firstouter surface 16 a and a first inner surface 16 b opposite to the firstouter surface 16 a in the first axial direction D2. The first innersurface 16 b is closer to the first head portion 12 b than the firstouter surface 16 a in the first axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 8, the first protrusion 26 has a first surface 26 afacing in the first axial direction D2 and disposed at a position sameas the first outer surface 16 a in the first axial direction D2. Thethird protrusion 30 has a first additional surface 30 a facing in thefirst axial direction D2 and disposed at a position same as the firstouter surface 16 a in the first axial direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second link plate 18 further comprises a secondouter surface 18 a and a second inner surface 18 b opposite to thesecond outer surface 18 a in the second axial direction D4. The secondinner surface 18 b is closer to the second head portion 14 b than thesecond outer surface 18 a in the second axial direction D4.

As seen in FIG. 8, the fifth protrusion 38 has a second surface 38 afacing in the second axial direction D4 and disposed at a position sameas the second outer surface 18 a in the second axial direction D4. Theseventh protrusion 42 has a second additional surface 42 a facing in thesecond axial direction D4 and disposed at a position same as the secondouter surface 18 a in the second axial direction D4.

As seen in FIG. 6, a first total length or a total length L11(hereinafter referred to as the first total length L11) of the firstguiding portion 24 and the first protrusion 26 is defined in the firstaxial direction D2 parallel to the first center axis A1. The first totallength L11 is longer than a second minimum axial distance or a minimumaxial distance L22 (hereinafter referred to as the second minimum axialdistance L22) defined between the second head portion 14 b and thesecond main-body 14 a in the second axial direction D4 parallel to thesecond center axis A2. This prevents the first protrusion 26 fromentering the second groove 14 d. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst total length L11 is defined from the first surface 26 a to thefirst inner surface 16 b in the first axial direction D2. The firsttotal length L11 can be less than the second minimum axial distance L22if needed and/or desired.

A second total length or a total length L12 (hereinafter referred to asthe second total length L12) of the first additional guiding portion 28and the third protrusion 30 is defined in the first axial direction D2.The second total length L12 is longer than the second minimum axialdistance L22 defined between the second head portion 14 b and the secondmain-body 14 a in the second axial direction D4. This prevents the thirdprotrusion 30 from entering the second groove 14 d. In the illustratedembodiment, the second total length L12 is defined from the firstadditional surface 30 a to the first inner surface 16 b in the firstaxial direction D2. The second total length L12 can be less than thesecond minimum axial distance L22 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 7, a third total length or a total length L13(hereinafter referred to as the third total length L13) of the secondguiding portion 36 and the fifth protrusion 38 is defined in the secondaxial direction D4. The third total length L13 is longer than a firstminimum axial distance or a minimum axial distance L21 (hereinafterreferred to as the first minimum axial distance L21) defined between thefirst head portion 12 b and the first main-body 12 a in the first axialdirection D2. This prevents the fifth protrusion 38 from entering thefirst groove 12 d. In the illustrated embodiment, the third total lengthL13 is defined from the second surface 38 a to the second inner surface18 b in the second axial direction D4. The third total length L13 can beless than the first minimum axial distance L21 if needed and/or desired.

A fourth total length or a total length L14 (hereinafter referred to asthe fourth total length L14) of the second additional guiding portion 40and the seventh protrusion 42 is defined in the second axial directionD4. The fourth total length L14 is longer than the first minimum axialdistance L21 defined between the first head portion 12 b and the firstmain-body 12 a in the first axial direction D2. This prevents theseventh protrusion 42 from entering the first groove 12 d. In theillustrated embodiment, the fourth total length L142 is defined from thesecond additional surface 42 a to the second inner surface 18 b in thesecond axial direction D4. The fourth total length L14 can be less thanthe first minimum axial distance L21 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 26 includes a first curvedsliding surface 26 b slidable with the outer periphery of the secondhead portion 14 b. The third protrusion 30 includes a first curvedadditional sliding surface 30 b slidable with the outer periphery of thesecond head portion 14 b. The third protrusion 30 is spaced apart fromthe first protrusion 26 to define a first minimum distance or a minimumdistance L31 (hereinafter referred to as the first minimum distance L31)between the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30. The firstminimum distance L31 is shorter than the outer diameter R23 of thesecond head portion 14 b. This increases sliding resistance between thefirst link plate 16 and the second head portion 14 b when the secondhead portion 14 b moves between the first insertion opening 22 a and thefirst attachment opening 22 b, and fixes the second head portion 14 b inthe first attachment opening 22 b such that the second head portion 14 bdoes not easily move in the first longitudinal direction D1 after beingpositioned in the first attachment opening 22 b.

The first additional guiding portion 28 is spaced apart from the firstguiding portion 24 to define a first sliding-passage width or asliding-passage width L41 (hereinafter referred to as the firstsliding-passage width L41) between the first guiding portion 24 and thefirst additional guiding portion 28. The first minimum distance L31 islonger than the first sliding-passage width L41 defined at a positionP11 at which the first minimum distance L31 is defined when viewed fromthe first axial direction D2. The first minimum distance L31 can,however, be equal to the first sliding-passage width L41 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9, the fifth protrusion 38 includes a second curvedsliding surface 38 b slidable with the outer periphery of the first headportion 12 b. The seventh protrusion 42 includes a second curvedadditional sliding surface 42 b slidable with the outer periphery of thefirst head portion 12 b. The seventh protrusion 42 is spaced apart fromthe fifth protrusion 38 to define a third minimum distance or a minimumdistance L32 (hereinafter referred to as the third minimum distance L32)between the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42. The thirdminimum distance L32 is shorter than the outer diameter R13 of the firsthead portion 12 b. This increases sliding resistance between the secondlink plate 18 and the first head portion 12 b when the first headportion 12 b moves between the second insertion opening 34 a and thesecond attachment opening 34 b, and fixes the first head portion 12 b inthe second attachment opening 34 b such that the first head portion 12 bdoes not easily move in the second longitudinal direction D3 after beingpositioned in the second attachment opening 34 b.

The second additional guiding portion 40 is spaced apart from the secondguiding portion 36 to define a second sliding-passage width or asliding-passage width L42 (hereinafter referred to as the secondsliding-passage width L42) between the second guiding portion 36 and thesecond additional guiding portion 40. The third minimum distance L32 islonger than the second sliding-passage width L42 defined at a positionP12 at which the third minimum distance L32 is defined when viewed fromthe second axial direction D4. The third minimum distance L32 can,however, be equal to the second sliding-passage width L42 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9, the first guiding portion 24 and the first additionalguiding portion 28 define a first guide opening G1. The first guideopening G1 extends along the first longitudinal axis A3 and is disposedin the first elongated opening 22. The first guide opening G1 includes afirst insertion section G11 and a first attachment section G12. Thesecond head portion 14 b is inserted into the first insertion sectionG11 when the second link pin 14 is attached to the first link plate 16.The second intermediate portion 14 c is disposed in the first attachmentsection G12 in a state where the second link pin 14 is attached to thefirst link plate 16.

The first insertion section G11 is disposed in the first insertionopening 22 a and has a first inner diameter Rg1. The first attachmentsection G12 is disposed in the first attachment opening 22 b and has asecond inner diameter Rg2. The first inner diameter Rg1 is equal to orlarger than the outer diameter R23 of the second head portion 14 b. Thesecond inner diameter Rg2 is equal to or larger than the outer diameterR21 of the second intermediate portion 14 c and smaller than the outerdiameter R23 of the second head portion 14 b.

Similarly, the second guiding portion 36 and the second additionalguiding portion 40 define a second guide opening G2. The second guideopening G2 extends along the second longitudinal axis A4 and is disposedin the second elongated opening 34. The second guide opening G2 includesa second insertion section G21 and a second attachment section G22. Thefirst head portion 12 b is inserted into the second insertion sectionG21 when the first link pin 12 is attached to the second link plate 18.The first intermediate portion 12 c is disposed in the second attachmentsection G22 in a state where the first link pin 12 is attached to thesecond link plate 18.

The second insertion section G21 is disposed in the second insertionopening 34 a and has a third inner diameter Rg3. The second attachmentsection G22 is disposed in the second attachment opening 34 b and has afourth inner diameter Rg4. The third inner diameter Rg3 is equal to orlarger than the outer diameter R13 of the first head portion 12 b. Thefourth inner diameter Rg4 is equal to or larger than the outer diameterR11 of the first intermediate portion 12 c, and smaller than the outerdiameter R13 of the first head portion 12 b.

As seen in FIG. 10, the first link plate 16 may further comprise a firsttapered surface or a tapered surface 16 c (hereinafter referred to asthe first tapered surface 16 c) inclined with respect to the first axialdirection D2 to guide the second head portion 14 b into the firstinsertion opening 22 a. An inner radius R31 defined by the first taperedsurface 16 c gradually decreases from the first inner surface 16 btoward the first outer surface 16 a. The inner radius R31 is definedbased on a center line A5 of the first insertion opening 22 a. In theillustrated embodiment, the first tapered surface 16 c is provided onthe first guiding portion 24 and the first additional guiding portion28.

The second link plate 18 further comprises a second tapered surface or atapered surface 18 c (hereinafter referred to as the second taperedsurface 18 c) inclined with respect to the second axial direction D4 toguide the first head portion 12 b (an additional head portion of anadditional link pin) into the second insertion opening 34 a. An innerradius R32 defined by the second tapered surface 18 c graduallydecreases from the second inner surface 18 b toward the second outersurface 18 a. The inner radius R32 is defined based on a center line A6of the second insertion opening 34 a. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond tapered surface 18 c is provided on the second guiding portion 36and the second additional guiding portion 40.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 11, the first link plate 16 includes a firststopper 44 protruding from the first inner surface 16 b and providedbetween the first securing portion 20 and the first elongated opening22. As seen in FIG. 3, the first stopper 44 includes a first restrictingsurface 44 a to restrict a relative movement between the first linkplate 16 and the inner link plate 4 a in the first longitudinaldirection D1. For example, the first stopper 44 is provided by one ofpunching and cutting. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stopper44 is provided by punching.

As seen in FIG. 11, the first stopper 44 is formed so that an innerperiphery of the first insertion opening 22 a is at least partiallyraised. The first restricting surface 44 a extends from the firsttapered surface 16 c in the first axial direction D2. As seen in FIGS. 1and 11, a first recess 44 b is provided on the first outer surface 16 a.The first recess 44 b is disposed on the inner periphery of the firstinsertion opening 22 a.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 11, the second link plate 18 includes a secondstopper 46 protruding from the second inner surface 18 b and providedbetween the second securing portion 32 and the second elongated opening34. As seen in FIG. 3, the second stopper 46 includes a secondrestricting surface 46 a to restrict a relative movement between thesecond link plate 18 and the inner link plate 2 b in the secondlongitudinal direction D3. For example, the second stopper 46 isprovided by one of punching and cutting. In the illustrated embodiment,the second stopper 46 is provided by the punching.

As seen in FIG. 11, the second stopper 46 is formed so that an innerperiphery of the second insertion opening 34 a is at least partiallyraised. The second restricting surface 46 a extends from the secondtapered surface 18 c in the second axial direction D4. As seen in FIGS.2 and 11, a second recess 46 b is provided on the second outer surface18 a. The second recess 46 b is disposed on the inner periphery of thesecond insertion opening 34 a.

As seen in FIG. 12, when the bicycle chain connecting link 10 isassembled, the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14 isinserted into the first elongated opening 22, and the first head portion12 b of the first link pin 12 is inserted into the second elongatedopening 34. More specifically, the second head portion 14 b is insertedinto the first insertion opening 22 a, and the first head portion 12 bis inserted into the second insertion opening 34 a.

As seen in FIG. 13, the first link plate 16 and the second link plate 18are relatively moved in the first longitudinal direction D1 (the secondlongitudinal direction D3). At this time, the first guiding portion 24and the first additional guiding portion 28 are inserted into the secondgroove 14 d, and the second guiding portion 36 and the second additionalguiding portion 40 are inserted into the first groove 12 d.

As seen in FIG. 14, the outer periphery of the second head portion 14 bslides with the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 when thesecond head portion 14 b is moved from the first insertion opening 22 ato the first attachment opening 22 b. The first protrusion 26 and thethird protrusion 30 increase sliding resistance when the second headportion 14 b passes between the first protrusion 26 and the thirdprotrusion 30. In a state where the second head portion 14 b is disposedin the first attachment opening 22 b, the first guiding portion 24 andthe first additional guiding portion 28 prevent the second link pin 14from being removed from the first attachment opening 22 b. The firstprotrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 restrict the second headportion 14 b from moving from the first attachment opening 22 b to thefirst insertion opening 22 a.

Similarly, the outer periphery of the first head portion 12 b slideswith the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 when thefirst head portion 12 b is moved from the second insertion opening 34 ato the second attachment opening 34 b. The fifth protrusion 38 and theseventh protrusion 42 increase sliding resistance when the first headportion 12 b passes between the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventhprotrusion 42. In a state where the first head portion 12 b is disposedin the second attachment opening 34 b, the second guiding portion 36 andthe second additional guiding portion 40 prevent the first link pin 12from being removed from the second attachment opening 34 b. The fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 restrict the first headportion 12 b from moving from the second attachment opening 34 b to thesecond insertion opening 34 a.

With the bicycle chain connecting link 10, since the first protrusion 26protrudes from the first sliding surface 24 a to be slidable with anouter periphery of the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin14, the second head portion 14 b can be held in the first attachmentopening 22 b of the first elongated opening 22 with a simple structure.Further, since the first protrusion 26 is slidable with the second headportion 14 b of the second link pin 14 in a press-fitted manner and isnot slidable with the second intermediate portion 14 c of the secondlink pin 14 in a press-fitted manner, the outer diameter of the secondintermediate portion 14 c of the second link pin 14 can be designed tobe larger than conventional structures in which such a protrusion isslidable with an intermediate portion of a link pin in a press-fittedmanner. Therefore, it is possible to design the bicycle chain connectinglink 10 to be more robust than such conventional connecting links.

Similarly, with the bicycle chain connecting link 10, since the thirdprotrusion 30 protrudes from the first additional sliding surface 28 ato be slidable with an outer periphery of the second head portion 14 bof the second link pin 14, the second head portion 14 b can be held inthe first attachment opening 22 b of the first elongated opening 22 witha simple structure. Further, since the third protrusion 30 is slidablewith the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14 in apress-fitted manner and is not slidable with the second intermediateportion 14 c of the second link pin 14 in a press-fitted manner, theouter diameter of the second intermediate portion 14 c of the secondlink pin 14 can be designed to be larger than conventional structures inwhich such a protrusion is slidable with an intermediate portion of alink pin in a press-fitted manner. Therefore, it is possible to designthe bicycle chain connecting link 10 to be more robust than suchconventional connecting links.

Similarly, since the fifth protrusion 38 protrudes from the secondsliding surface 36 a to be slidable with an outer periphery of the firsthead portion 12 b of the first link pin 12, the first head portion 12 bcan be held in the second attachment opening 34 b of the secondelongated opening 34 with a simple structure. Further, since the fifthprotrusion 38 is slidable with the first head portion 12 b of the firstlink pin 12 in a press-fitted manner and is not slidable with the firstintermediate portion 12 c of the first link pin 12 in a press-fittedmanner, the outer diameter of the first intermediate portion 12 c of thefirst link pin 12 can be designed to be larger than conventionalstructures in which such a protrusion is slidable with an intermediateportion of a link pin in a press-fitted manner. Therefore, it ispossible to design the bicycle chain connecting link 10 to be morerobust than such conventional connecting links.

Similarly, since the seventh protrusion 42 protrudes from the secondadditional sliding surface 40 a to be slidable with an outer peripheryof the first head portion 12 b of the first link pin 12, the first headportion 12 b can be held in the second attachment opening 34 b of thesecond elongated opening 34 with a simple structure. Further, since theseventh protrusion 42 is slidable with the first head portion 12 b ofthe first link pin 12 in a press-fitted manner and is not slidable withthe first intermediate portion 12 c of the first link pin 12 in apress-fitted manner, the outer diameter of the first intermediateportion 12 c of the first link pin 12 can be designed to be larger thanconventional structures in which such a protrusion is slidable with anintermediate portion of a link pin in a press-fitted manner. Therefore,it is possible to design the bicycle chain connecting link 10 to be morerobust than such conventional connecting links.

With the bicycle chain connecting link 10, the first tapered surface 16c is inclined with respect to the first axial direction D2 to guide thesecond head portion 14 b into the first insertion opening 22 a. Thisallows the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14 to beeasily inserted into the first insertion opening 22 a of the firstelongated opening 22.

Similarly, the second tapered surface 18 c is inclined with respect tothe second axial direction D4 to guide the first head portion 12 b intothe second insertion opening 34 a. This allows the first head portion 12b of the first link pin 12 to be easily inserted into the secondinsertion opening 34 a of the second elongated opening 34.

In the bicycle chain connecting link 10, the first link pin 12 issecured to the first link plate 16. The first link pin 12 can, however,be secured to the second link plate 18. In such embodiment, for example,the first link plate 16 includes the second elongated opening 34 insteadof the first securing portion 20, and the second link plate 18 includesthe first securing portion 20 instead of the second elongated opening34.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle chain connecting link 210 in accordance with a secondembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 15. The bicyclechain connecting link 210 has substantially the same configuration asthe bicycle chain connecting link 10 except for the protrusion. Thus,elements having substantially the same function as those in the firstembodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be describedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 15, in the bicycle chain connecting link 210, the firstprotrusion 26 has a first surface 226 a facing in the first axialdirection D2. The first surface 226 a is disposed at a positiondifferent from the first outer surface 16 a in the first axial directionD2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 226 a is recessedfrom the first outer surface 16 a toward the first sliding surface 24 a.

Similarly, the third protrusion 30 has a first additional surface 230 afacing in the first axial direction D2. The first additional surface 230a is disposed at a position different from the first outer surface 16 ain the first axial direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst additional surface 230 a is recessed from the first outer surface16 a toward the first additional sliding surface 28 a.

With the bicycle chain connecting link 210, since the first protrusion26 protrudes from the first sliding surface 24 a, and/or the thirdprotrusion 30 protrudes from the first additional sliding surface 28 a,to be slidable with an outer periphery of the second head portion 14 bof the second link pin 14, the second head portion 14 b can be held inthe first attachment opening 22 b of the first elongated opening 22 witha simple structure. Further, since the first and third protrusions 26and 30 are slidable with the second head portion 14 b of the second linkpin 14 in a press-fitted manner and are not slidable with the secondintermediate portion 14 c of the second link pin 14 in a press-fittedmanner, the outer diameter of the second intermediate portion 14 c ofthe second link pin 14 can be designed to be larger than conventionalstructures in which such a protrusion is slidable with an intermediateportion of a link pin in a press-fitted manner. Therefore, it ispossible to design the bicycle chain connecting link 210 to be morerobust than such conventional connecting links.

In the illustrated embodiment, axial positions of the first surface 226a and the first additional surface 230 a is the same as each other inthe first axial direction D2. However, the axial positions of the firstsurface 226 a and the first additional surface 230 a can be differentfrom each other in the first axial direction D2.

The positional relationship between the first surface 226 a and thefirst outer surface 16 a can be applied to at least one of the fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 if needed and/or desired.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle chain connecting link 310 in accordance with a thirdembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 16. The bicyclechain connecting link 310 has substantially the same configuration asthe bicycle chain connecting link 10 except for the stopper. Thus,elements having substantially the same function as those in the firstembodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be describedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 16, in the bicycle chain connecting link 310, the firstlink plate 16 includes a first cutout 316 d provided on an innerperiphery of the first elongated opening 22. The first cutout 316 d isdisposed between the first securing portion 20 and the first elongatedopening 22. The first cutout 316 d is provided by one of punching andcutting. The first guiding portion 24 and the first additional guidingportion 28 are partially separate from each other by the first cutout316 d. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stopper 44 is omittedfrom the first link plate 16. The first cutout 316 d reduces weight ofthe bicycle chain connecting link 310, and allows the first elongatedopening 22 to elastically expand such that the second head portion 14 bof the second link pin 14 smoothly slides from the first insertionopening 22 a to the first attachment opening 22 b. The first cutout 316d can be applied to the second link plate 18.

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle chain connecting link 410 in accordance with a fourthembodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 17 to 29. Elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the first embodimentwill be numbered the same here, and will not be described again indetail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 17, the bicycle chain connecting link 410 comprises afirst link plate or a link plate 416 (hereinafter referred to as thefirst link plate 416), and a second link plate 418. In the illustratedembodiment, the second link plate 418 has substantially the same shapeas that of the first link plate 416. However, the second link plate 418can have a shape different from that of the first link plate 416 ifneeded and/or desired.

The first link plate 416 comprises the first securing portion 20, thefirst elongated opening 22, a first guiding portion or a guiding portion424 (hereinafter referred to as the first guiding portion 424), thefirst protrusion 26, and a second protrusion 427.

The first guiding portion 424 is configured to engage with the secondgroove 14 d of the second link pin 14 to guide the second link pin 14between the first insertion opening 22 a and the first attachmentopening 22 b. The first guiding portion 424 protrudes inwardly from aninner periphery of the first elongated opening 22 with respect to thefirst longitudinal axis A3.

The first protrusion 26 is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the second head portion 14 b. The second protrusion427 is provided between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b. The second protrusion 427 is configured to beslidable relative to the outer periphery of the second intermediateportion 14 c.

As seen in FIG. 17, the first link plate 416 further comprises a firstadditional guiding portion or an additional guiding portion 428(hereinafter referred to as the first additional guiding portion 428),the third protrusion 30, and a fourth protrusion 431.

The first additional guiding portion 428 is configured to engage withthe second groove 14 d of the second link pin 14 to guide the secondlink pin 14 between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b. The first additional guiding portion 428protrudes inwardly from the inner periphery of the first elongatedopening 22 with respect to the first longitudinal axis A3.

Unlike the first guiding portion 24 and the first additional guidingportion 28, while one end of the first guiding portion 424 is connectedto one end of the first additional guiding portion 428, the other end ofthe first guiding portion 424 is not connected to the other end of thefirst additional guiding portion 428. The other features of the firstguiding portion 424 and the first additional guiding portion 428 aresubstantially the same as those of the first guiding portion 24 and thefirst additional guiding portion 28.

The third protrusion 30 is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the second head portion 14 b. The fourth protrusion431 is provided between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b. The fourth protrusion 431 is configured to beslidable relative to the outer periphery of the second intermediateportion 14 c.

As seen in FIG. 17, the second link plate 418 comprises the secondsecuring portion 32 and the second elongated opening 34. The second linkplate 418 further comprises a second guiding portion or a guidingportion 436 (hereinafter referred to as the second guiding portion 436),the fifth protrusion 38, and a sixth protrusion 439.

The second guiding portion 436 is configured to engage with the firstgroove 12 d of the first link pin 12 to guide the first link pin 12between the second insertion opening 34 a and the second attachmentopening 34 b. The second guiding portion 436 protrudes inwardly from aninner periphery of the second elongated opening 34 with respect to thesecond longitudinal axis A4.

The fifth protrusion 38 is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the first head portion 12 b. The sixth protrusion 439is provided between the second insertion opening 34 a and the secondattachment opening 34 b. The sixth protrusion 439 is configured to beslidable relative to the outer periphery of the first intermediateportion 12 c.

As seen in FIG. 17, the second link plate 418 further comprises a secondadditional guiding portion or an additional guiding portion 440(hereinafter referred to as the second additional guiding portion 440),the seventh protrusion 42, and an eighth protrusion 443.

The second additional guiding portion 440 is configured to engage withthe first groove 12 d of the first link pin 12 to guide the first linkpin 12 between the second insertion opening 34 a and the secondattachment opening 34 b. The second additional guiding portion 440protrudes inwardly from the inner periphery of the second elongatedopening 34 with respect to the second longitudinal axis A4.

The seventh protrusion 42 is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the first head portion 12 b. The eighth protrusion443 is provided between the second insertion opening 34 a and the secondattachment opening 34 b. The eighth protrusion 443 is configured to beslidable relative to the outer periphery of the first intermediateportion 12 c.

As seen in FIG. 18, a first total length L411 of the first guidingportion 424 and the first protrusion 26 is defined in the first axialdirection D2 parallel to the first center axis A1. The first totallength L411 of the first guiding portion 424 and the first protrusion 26is longer than the second minimum axial distance L22 (the minimum axialdistance) defined between the second head portion 14 b and the secondmain-body in the second axial direction D4 parallel to the second centeraxis A2. An axial length L427 of the second protrusion 427 is defined inthe first axial direction D2. The axial length L427 of the secondprotrusion 427 is shorter than the second minimum axial distance L22.While the axial length L427 is equal to an axial width of the firstguiding portion 424 in the illustrated embodiment, the axial length L427can be different from the axial width of the first guiding portion 424if needed and/or desired.

A second total length L412 of the first additional guiding portion 428and the third protrusion 30 is defined in the first axial direction D2.The second total length L412 of the first additional guiding portion 428and the third protrusion 30 is longer than the second minimum axialdistance L22. An axial length L431 of the fourth protrusion 431 isdefined in the first axial direction D2. The axial length L431 of thefourth protrusion 431 is shorter than the second minimum axial distanceL22. While the axial length L431 is equal to an axial width of the firstadditional guiding portion 428 in the illustrated embodiment, the axiallength L431 can be different from the axial width of the firstadditional guiding portion 428 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 19, a third total length L413 of the second guidingportion 436 and the fifth protrusion 38 is defined in the second axialdirection D4 parallel to the second center axis A2. The third totallength L413 is longer than the first minimum axial distance L21 (theminimum axial distance) defined between the first head portion 12 b andthe first main-body in the first axial direction D2 parallel to thefirst center axis A1. An axial length L439 of the sixth protrusion 439is defined in the second axial direction D4. The axial length L439 ofthe sixth protrusion 439 is shorter than the first minimum axialdistance L21. While the axial length L439 is equal to an axial width ofthe second guiding portion 436 in the illustrated embodiment, the axiallength L439 can be different from the axial width of the second guidingportion 436 if needed and/or desired.

A fourth total length L414 of the second additional guiding portion 440and the seventh protrusion 42 is defined in the second axial directionD4. The fourth total length L414 of the second additional guidingportion 440 and the seventh protrusion 42 is longer than the firstminimum axial distance L21. An axial length L443 of the eighthprotrusion 443 is defined in the second axial direction D4. The axiallength L443 of the eighth protrusion 443 is shorter than the firstminimum axial distance L21. While the axial length L443 is equal to anaxial width of the second additional guiding portion 440 in theillustrated embodiment, the axial length L443 can be different from theaxial width of the second additional guiding portion 440 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 20, the fourth protrusion 431 is spaced apart from thesecond protrusion 427 to define a second minimum distance L433 betweenthe second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431. The secondminimum distance L433 is shorter than the outer diameter R21 of thesecond intermediate portion 14 c.

The first additional guiding portion 428 is spaced apart from the firstguiding portion 424 to define a first sliding-passage width or asliding-passage width L441 (hereinafter referred to as the firstsliding-passage width L441) between the first guiding portion 424 andthe first additional guiding portion 428. The first minimum distance L31between the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 is longerthan the first sliding-passage width L441 defined at a position at whichthe first minimum distance L31 is defined when viewed from the firstaxial direction D2. The second minimum distance L433 between the secondprotrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431 is shorter than the firstsliding-passage width L441 defined at a position at which the secondminimum distance L433 is defined when viewed from the first axialdirection D2.

As seen in FIG. 20, the eighth protrusion 443 is spaced apart from thesixth protrusion 439 to define a fourth minimum distance L434 betweenthe sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443. The fourthminimum distance L434 is shorter than the outer diameter R11 of thefirst intermediate portion 12 c.

The second additional guiding portion 440 is spaced apart from thesecond guiding portion 436 to define a second sliding-passage width or asliding-passage width L442 (hereinafter referred to as the secondsliding-passage width L442) between the second guiding portion 436 andthe second additional guiding portion 440. The third minimum distanceL32 between the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 islonger than the second sliding-passage width L442 defined at a positionat which the third minimum distance L32 is defined when viewed from thesecond axial direction D4. The fourth minimum distance L434 between thesixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443 is shorter than thesecond sliding-passage width L442 defined at a position at which thefourth minimum distance L434 is defined when viewed from the first axialdirection D2.

As seen in FIG. 20, the first protrusion 26 is arranged to come intocontact with the second head portion 14 b disposed in the firstattachment opening 22 b at a first timing. The second protrusion 427 isarranged to come into contact with the second intermediate portion 14 cdisposed in the first attachment opening 22 b at a second timing. Thethird protrusion 30 is arranged to come into contact with the secondhead portion 14 b disposed in the first attachment opening 22 b at athird timing. The fourth protrusion 431 is arranged to come into contactwith the second intermediate portion 14 c disposed in the firstattachment opening 22 b at a fourth timing.

At least two of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing,and the fourth timing are different from each other. At least two of thefirst timing, the second timing, the third timing, and the fourth timingare equal to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first timingis different from the second timing and the fourth timing. The thirdtiming is different from the second timing and the fourth timing. Thefirst timing is equal to the third timing. The second timing is equal tothe fourth timing. Each of the second timing and the fourth timing isearlier than each of the first timing and the third timing.

More specifically, when the second head portion 14 b is moved from thefirst attachment opening 22 b to the first insertion opening 22 a, thesecond head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the first protrusion 26 at the first timing. When the secondintermediate portion 14 c is moved from the first attachment opening 22b to the first insertion opening 22 a, the second intermediate portion14 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contact with the secondprotrusion 427 at the second timing. When the second head portion 14 bis moved from the first attachment opening 22 b to the first insertionopening 22 a, the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14comes into contact with the third protrusion 30 at the third timing.When the second intermediate portion 14 c is moved from the firstattachment opening 22 b to the first insertion opening 22 a, the secondintermediate portion 14 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the fourth protrusion 431 at the fourth timing.

As seen in FIG. 20, since each of the second timing and the fourthtiming is earlier than each of the first timing and the third timing,the outer periphery of the second head portion 14 b is not in contactwith the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 when the outerperiphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c comes into contactwith the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.

The outer periphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c slidesrelative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431 whenthe second intermediate portion 14 c is moved from the first attachmentopening 22 b to the first insertion opening 22 a after coming intocontact with the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.

The outer periphery of the second head portion 14 b comes into contactwith the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 after the outerperiphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c starts to sliderelative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.After that, while the outer periphery of the second intermediate portion14 c slides relative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourthprotrusion 431, the outer periphery of the second head portion 14 bslides relative to the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30.

The second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431 increase slidingresistance when the second intermediate portion 14 c is moved betweenthe second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431. Furthermore,the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 increase slidingresistance when the second head portion 14 b is moved between the firstprotrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30.

The relationship between the first to fourth timings is not limited tothe above embodiment. For example, the patterns shown in FIGS. 21 and 22can be applied to the bicycle chain connecting link 410. Positionalrelationship between the first to fourth protrusions 26, 427, 30 and 431can be changed based on the patterns shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

Similarly, as seen in FIG. 20, the fifth protrusion 38 is arranged tocome into contact with the first head portion 12 b disposed in thesecond attachment opening 34 b at a fifth timing. The sixth protrusion439 is arranged to come into contact with the first intermediate portion12 c disposed in the second attachment opening 34 b at a sixth timing.The seventh protrusion 42 is arranged to come into contact with thefirst head portion 12 b disposed in the second attachment opening 34 bat a seventh timing. The eighth protrusion 443 is arranged to come intocontact with the first intermediate portion 12 c disposed in the secondattachment opening 34 b at an eighth timing.

At least two of the fifth timing, the sixth timing, the seventh timing,and the eighth timing are different from each other. At least two of thefifth timing, the sixth timing, the seventh timing, and the eighthtiming are equal to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifthtiming is different from the sixth timing and the eighth timing. Theseventh timing is different from the sixth timing and the eighth timing.The fifth timing is equal to the seventh timing. The sixth timing isequal to the eighth timing Each of the sixth timing and the eighthtiming is earlier than each of the fifth timing and the seventh timing.

More specifically, when the first head portion 12 b is moved from thesecond attachment opening 34 b to the second insertion opening 34 a, thefirst head portion 12 b of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the fifth protrusion 38 at the fifth timing. When the firstintermediate portion 12 c is moved from the second attachment opening 34b to the second insertion opening 34 a, the first intermediate portion12 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contact with the sixthprotrusion 439 at the sixth timing. When the first head portion 12 b ismoved from the second attachment opening 34 b to the second insertionopening 34 a, the first head portion 12 b of the second link pin 14comes into contact with the seventh protrusion 42 at the seventh timing.When the first intermediate portion 12 c is moved from the secondattachment opening 34 b to the second insertion opening 34 a, the firstintermediate portion 12 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the eighth protrusion 443 at the eighth timing.

As seen in FIG. 20, since each of the sixth timing and the eighth timingis earlier than each of the fifth timing and the seventh timing, theouter periphery of the first head portion 12 b is not in contact withthe fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 when the outerperiphery of the first intermediate portion 12 c comes into contact withthe sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443.

The outer periphery of the first intermediate portion 12 c slidesrelative to the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443 whenthe first intermediate portion 12 c is moved from the second attachmentopening 34 b to the second insertion opening 34 a after coming intocontact with the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443.

The outer periphery of the first head portion 12 b comes into contactwith the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 after thefirst intermediate portion 12 c starts to slide relative to the sixthprotrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443. After that, while theouter periphery of the first intermediate portion 12 c slides relativeto the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443, the outerperiphery of the first head portion 12 b slides relative to the fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42.

The sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443 increase slidingresistance when the first intermediate portion 12 c is moved between thesixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443. Furthermore, thefifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 increase slidingresistance when the first head portion 12 b is moved between the fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42.

The relationship between the fifth to eighth timings is not limited tothe above embodiment. For example, the patterns shown in FIGS. 23 and 24can be applied to the bicycle chain connecting link 410. Positionalrelationship between the fifth to eighth protrusions 38, 439, 42 and 443can be changed based on the patterns shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.

As seen in FIG. 25, the first protrusion 26 is arranged to come intocontact with the second head portion 14 b disposed in the firstinsertion opening 22 a at a ninth timing. The second protrusion 427 isarranged to come into contact with the second intermediate portion 14 cdisposed in the first insertion opening 22 a at a tenth timing. Thethird protrusion 30 is arranged to come into contact with the secondhead portion 14 b disposed in the first insertion opening 22 a at aneleventh timing. The fourth protrusion 431 is arranged to come intocontact with the second intermediate portion 14 c disposed in the firstinsertion opening 22 a at a twelfth timing.

At least two of the ninth timing, the tenth timing, the eleventh timing,and the twelfth timing are different from each other. At least two ofthe ninth timing, the tenth timing, the eleventh timing, and the twelfthtiming are equal to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the ninthtiming is different from the tenth timing and the twelfth timing. Theeleventh timing is different from the tenth timing and the twelfthtiming. The ninth timing is equal to the eleventh timing. The tenthtiming is equal to the twelfth timing. Each of the tenth timing and thetwelfth timing is earlier than each of the ninth timing and the eleventhtiming.

More specifically, when the second head portion 14 b is moved from thefirst insertion opening 22 a to the first attachment opening 22 b, thesecond head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the first protrusion 26 at the ninth timing. When the secondintermediate portion 14 c is moved from the first insertion opening 22 ato the first attachment opening 22 b, the second intermediate portion 14c of the second link pin 14 comes into contact with the secondprotrusion 427 at the tenth timing. When the second head portion 14 b ismoved from the first insertion opening 22 a to the first attachmentopening 22 b, the second head portion 14 b of the second link pin 14comes into contact with the third protrusion 30 at the eleventh timing.When the second intermediate portion 14 c is moved from the firstinsertion opening 22 a to the first attachment opening 22 b, the secondintermediate portion 14 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the fourth protrusion 431 at the twelfth timing.

As seen in FIG. 25, since each of the tenth timing and the twelfthtiming is earlier than each of the ninth timing and the eleventh timing,the outer periphery of the second head portion 14 b is not in contactwith the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 when the outerperiphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c comes into contactwith the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.

The outer periphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c slidesrelative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431 whenthe second intermediate portion 14 c is moved from the first insertionopening 22 a to the first attachment opening 22 b after coming intocontact with the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.

The outer periphery of the second head portion 14 b comes into contactwith the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 after the outerperiphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c starts to sliderelative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431.After that, while the outer periphery of the second intermediate portion14 c slides relative to the second protrusion 427 and the fourthprotrusion 431, the outer periphery of the second head portion 14 bslides relative to the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30.

The second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431 increase slidingresistance when the second intermediate portion 14 c is moved betweenthe second protrusion 427 and the fourth protrusion 431. Furthermore,the first protrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30 increase slidingresistance when the second head portion 14 b is moved between the firstprotrusion 26 and the third protrusion 30.

The relationship between the first to twelfth timings is not limited tothe above embodiment. For example, the patterns shown in FIGS. 26 and 27can be applied to the bicycle chain connecting link 410. Positionalrelationship between the first to fourth protrusions 26, 427, 30 and 431can be changed based on the patterns shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.

Similarly, as seen in FIG. 25, the fifth protrusion 38 is arranged tocome into contact with the first head portion 12 b disposed in thesecond insertion opening 34 a at a thirteenth timing. The sixthprotrusion 439 is arranged to come into contact with the firstintermediate portion 12 c disposed in the second insertion opening 34 aat a fourteenth timing. The seventh protrusion 42 is arranged to comeinto contact with the first head portion 12 b disposed in the secondinsertion opening 34 a at a fifteenth timing. The eighth protrusion 443is arranged to come into contact with the first intermediate portion 12c disposed in the second insertion opening 34 a at a sixteenth timing.

At least two of the thirteenth timing, the fourteenth timing, thefifteenth timing, and the sixteenth timing are different from eachother. At least two of the thirteenth timing, the fourteenth timing, thefifteenth timing, and the sixteenth timing are equal to each other. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the thirteenth timing is different from thefourteenth timing and the sixteenth timing. The fifteenth timing isdifferent from the fourteenth timing and the sixteenth timing. Thethirteenth timing is equal to the fifteenth timing. The fourteenthtiming is equal to the sixteenth timing. Each of the fourteenth timingand the sixteenth timing is earlier than each of the thirteenth timingand the fifteenth timing.

More specifically, when the first head portion 12 b is moved from thesecond insertion opening 34 a to the second attachment opening 34 b, thefirst head portion 12 b of the second link pin 14 comes into contactwith the fifth protrusion 38 at the thirteenth timing. When the firstintermediate portion 12 c is moved from the second insertion opening 34a to the second attachment opening 34 b, the first intermediate portion12 c of the second link pin 14 comes into contact with the sixthprotrusion 439 at the fourteenth timing. When the first head portion 12b is moved from the second insertion opening 34 a to the secondattachment opening 34 b, the first head portion 12 b of the second linkpin 14 comes into contact with the seventh protrusion 42 at thefifteenth timing. When the first intermediate portion 12 c is moved fromthe second insertion opening 34 a to the second attachment opening 34 b,the first intermediate portion 12 c of the second link pin 14 comes intocontact with the eighth protrusion 443 at the sixteenth timing.

As seen in FIG. 25, since each of the fourteenth timing and thesixteenth timing is earlier than each of the thirteenth timing and thefifteenth timing, the outer periphery of the first head portion 12 b isnot in contact with the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion42 in a state where the outer periphery of the first intermediateportion 12 c comes into contact with the sixth protrusion 439 and theeighth protrusion 443 when the first intermediate portion 12 c is movedfrom the second insertion opening 34 a to the second attachment opening34 b.

The outer periphery of the first intermediate portion 12 c slidesrelative to the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443 whenthe first intermediate portion 12 c is moved from the second insertionopening 34 a to the second attachment opening 34 b after coming intocontact with the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443.

The outer periphery of the first head portion 12 b comes into contactwith the fifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 after thefirst intermediate portion 12 c starts to slide relative to the sixthprotrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443. After that, while theouter periphery of the first intermediate portion 12 c slides relativeto the sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443, the outerperiphery of the first head portion 12 b slides relative to the fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42.

The sixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443 increase slidingresistance when the first intermediate portion 12 c is moved between thesixth protrusion 439 and the eighth protrusion 443. Furthermore, thefifth protrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42 increase slidingresistance when the first head portion 12 b is moved between the fifthprotrusion 38 and the seventh protrusion 42.

The relationship between the fifth to sixteenth timings is not limitedto the above embodiment. For example, the patterns shown in FIGS. 28 and29 can be applied to the bicycle chain connecting link 410. Positionalrelationship between the fifth to eighth protrusions 38, 439, 42 and 443can be changed based on the patterns shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

With the bicycle chain connecting link 410, the first protrusion 26 isprovided between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b and is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the second head portion 14 b. The second protrusion427 is provided between the first insertion opening 22 a and the firstattachment opening 22 b and is configured to be slidable relative to theouter periphery of the second intermediate portion 14 c. Accordingly,the second head portion 14 b and the second intermediate portion 14 ccan be held in the first attachment opening 22 b of the first elongatedopening 22 without exerting too high sliding load to each protrusionwhile the second link pin 14 moves between the first insertion opening22 a and the first attachment opening 22 b.

Furthermore, the first protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 427 areconfigured to be slidable relative to the outer peripheries of thesecond head portion 14 b and the second intermediate portion 14 c.Accordingly, even if the sliding resistances caused by the firstprotrusion 26 and the second protrusion 427 are small, the second headportion 14 b and the second intermediate portion 14 c can be held in thefirst attachment opening 22 b of the first elongated opening 22 with thefirst protrusion 26 and the second protrusion 427. Thus, it is possibleto reduce an amount of wear of each of the first protrusion 26 and thesecond protrusion 427 in comparison with a comparative bicycle chainconnecting link including only one of the first protrusion 26 and thesecond protrusion 427.

Similarly, the fifth protrusion 38 is provided between the secondinsertion opening 34 a and the second attachment opening 34 b and isconfigured to be slidable relative to the outer periphery of the firsthead portion 12 b. The sixth protrusion 439 is provided between thesecond insertion opening 34 a and the second attachment opening 34 b andis configured to be slidable relative to the outer periphery of thefirst intermediate portion 12 c. Accordingly, the first head portion 12b and the first intermediate portion 12 c can be held in the secondattachment opening 34 b of the second elongated opening 34 withoutexerting too high sliding load to each protrusion while the first linkpin 12 moves between the second insertion opening 34 a and the secondattachment opening 34 b.

Furthermore, the fifth protrusion 38 and the sixth protrusion 439 areconfigured to be slidable relative to the outer peripheries of the firsthead portion 12 b and the first intermediate portion 12 c. Accordingly,even if the sliding resistances caused by the fifth protrusion 38 andthe sixth protrusion 439 are small, the first head portion 12 b and thefirst intermediate portion 12 c can be held in the second attachmentopening 34 b of the second elongated opening 34 with the fifthprotrusion 38 and the sixth protrusion 439. Thus, it is possible toreduce an amount of wear of each of the fifth protrusion 38 and thesixth protrusion 439 in comparison with a comparative bicycle chainconnecting link including only one of the fifth protrusion 38 and thesixth protrusion 439.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part” and “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle chain connecting link comprising: alink pin having a center axis and comprising: a main-body extendingalong the center axis; a head portion spaced apart from the main-bodyalong the center axis; and an intermediate portion provided between themain-body and the head portion and coupling the head portion to themain-body, the intermediate portion having an outer diameter smallerthan an outer diameter of the main-body and than an outer diameter ofthe head portion to define a groove between the main-body and the headportion; and a link plate comprising: an elongated opening to which thelink pin is removably attached, the elongated opening comprising: aninsertion opening; and an attachment opening connected with theinsertion opening; a guiding portion configured to engage with thegroove of the link pin to guide the link pin between the insertionopening and the attachment opening; a first protrusion provided betweenthe insertion opening and the attachment opening and configured to beslidable relative to an outer periphery of the head portion; and asecond protrusion provided between the insertion opening and theattachment opening and configured to be slidable relative to an outerperiphery of the intermediate portion.
 2. The bicycle chain connectinglink according to claim 1, wherein a total length of the guiding portionand the first protrusion is defined in an axial direction parallel tothe center axis, and the total length of the guiding portion and thefirst protrusion is longer than a minimum axial distance defined betweenthe head portion and the main-body in the axial direction parallel tothe center axis.
 3. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim2, wherein an axial length of the second protrusion is defined in theaxial direction, and the axial length of the second protrusion isshorter than the minimum axial distance.
 4. The bicycle chain connectinglink according to claim 1, wherein the link plate further comprises anadditional guiding portion configured to engage with the groove of thelink pin to guide the link pin between the insertion opening and theattachment opening, a third protrusion provided between the insertionopening and the attachment opening and configured to be slidablerelative to the outer periphery of the head portion, and a fourthprotrusion provided between the insertion opening and the attachmentopening and configured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery ofthe intermediate portion.
 5. The bicycle chain connecting link accordingto claim 4, wherein a total length of the additional guiding portion andthe third protrusion is defined in the axial direction, and the totallength of the additional guiding portion and the third protrusion islonger than the minimum axial distance.
 6. The bicycle chain connectinglink according to claim 5, wherein an axial length of the fourthprotrusion is defined in the axial direction, and the axial length ofthe fourth protrusion is shorter than the minimum axial distance.
 7. Thebicycle chain connecting link according to claim 4, wherein the thirdprotrusion is spaced apart from the first protrusion to define a firstminimum distance between the first protrusion and the third protrusion,the first minimum distance is shorter than the outer diameter of thehead portion, the fourth protrusion is spaced apart from the secondprotrusion to define a second minimum distance between the secondprotrusion and the fourth protrusion, and the second minimum distance isshorter than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion.
 8. Thebicycle chain connecting link according to claim 7, wherein theadditional guiding portion is spaced apart from the guiding portion todefine a sliding-passage width between the guiding portion and theadditional guiding portion, the first minimum distance between the firstprotrusion and the third protrusion is longer than the sliding-passagewidth defined at a position at which the first minimum distance isdefined when viewed from the axial direction, and the second minimumdistance between the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion isshorter than the sliding-passage width defined at a position at whichthe second minimum distance is defined when viewed from the axialdirection.
 9. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 4,wherein the first protrusion is arranged to come into contact with thehead portion disposed in the attachment opening at a first timing, thesecond protrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a second timing, the thirdprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the head portiondisposed in the attachment opening at a third timing, the fourthprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the intermediateportion disposed in the attachment opening at a fourth timing, and atleast two of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, andthe fourth timing are different from each other.
 10. The bicycle chainconnecting link according to claim 4, wherein the first protrusion isarranged to come into contact with the head portion disposed in theattachment opening at a first timing, the second protrusion is arrangedto come into contact with the intermediate portion disposed in theattachment opening at a second timing, the third protrusion is arrangedto come into contact with the head portion disposed in the attachmentopening at a third timing, the fourth protrusion is arranged to comeinto contact with the intermediate portion disposed in the attachmentopening at a fourth timing, and at least two of the first timing, thesecond timing, the third timing, and the fourth timing are equal to eachother.
 11. A bicycle chain connecting link comprising: a first link pinhaving a first center axis and comprising: a first main-body extendingalong the first center axis; a first head portion spaced apart from thefirst main-body along the first center axis; and a first intermediateportion provided between the first main-body and the first head portionand coupling the first head portion to the first main-body, the firstintermediate portion having an outer diameter smaller than an outerdiameter of the first main-body and than an outer diameter of the firsthead portion to define a first groove between the first main-body andthe first head portion; a second link pin having a second center axisand comprising: a second main-body extending along the second centeraxis; a second head portion spaced apart from the second main-body alongthe second center axis; and a second intermediate portion providedbetween the second main-body and the second head portion and couplingthe second head portion to the second main-body, the second intermediateportion having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of thesecond main-body and than an outer diameter of the second head portionto define a second groove between the second main-body and the secondhead portion; a first link plate comprising: a first securing portion towhich the first main-body of the first link pin is secured; and a firstelongated opening to which the second link pin is removably attached,the first elongated opening comprising: a first insertion opening; and afirst attachment opening connected with the first insertion opening; afirst guiding portion configured to engage with the second groove of thesecond link pin to guide the second link pin between the first insertionopening and the first attachment opening; a first protrusion providedbetween the first insertion opening and the first attachment opening andconfigured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of the secondhead portion; and a second protrusion provided between the firstinsertion opening and the first attachment opening and configured to beslidable relative to an outer periphery of the second intermediateportion; and a second link plate comprising: a second securing portionto which the second main-body of the second link pin is secured; and asecond elongated opening to which the first link pin is removablyattached.
 12. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 11,wherein a first total length of the first guiding portion and the firstprotrusion is defined in a first axial direction parallel to the firstcenter axis, and the first total length is longer than a second minimumaxial distance defined between the second head portion and the secondmain-body in a second axial direction parallel to the second centeraxis.
 13. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 12,wherein an axial length of the second protrusion is defined in the firstaxial direction, and the axial length of the second protrusion isshorter than the second minimum axial distance.
 14. The bicycle chainconnecting link according to claim 11, wherein the first link platefurther comprises a first additional guiding portion configured toengage with the second groove of the second link pin to guide the secondlink pin between the first insertion opening and the first attachmentopening, a third protrusion provided between the first insertion openingand the first attachment opening and configured to be slidable relativeto the outer periphery of the second head portion, and a fourthprotrusion provided between the first insertion opening and the firstattachment opening and configured to be slidable relative to an outerperiphery of the second intermediate portion.
 15. The bicycle chainconnecting link according to claim 14, wherein a second total length ofthe first additional guiding portion and the third protrusion is definedin the first axial direction, the second total length is longer than thesecond minimum axial distance, an axial length of the fourth protrusionis defined in the first axial direction, and the axial length of thefourth protrusion is shorter than the second minimum axial distance. 16.The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 14, wherein thethird protrusion is spaced apart from the first protrusion to define afirst minimum distance between the first protrusion and the thirdprotrusion, the first minimum distance is shorter than the outerdiameter of the second head portion, the fourth protrusion is spacedapart from the second protrusion to define a second minimum distancebetween the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion, and the secondminimum distance is shorter than the outer diameter of the secondintermediate portion.
 17. The bicycle chain connecting link according toclaim 16, wherein the first additional guiding portion is spaced apartfrom the first guiding portion to define a first sliding-passage widthbetween the first guiding portion and the first additional guidingportion, the first minimum distance between the first protrusion and thethird protrusion is longer than the first sliding-passage width definedat a position at which the first minimum distance is defined when viewedfrom the first axial direction, and the second minimum distance betweenthe second protrusion and the fourth protrusion is shorter than thefirst sliding-passage width defined at a position at which the secondminimum distance is defined when viewed from the first axial direction.18. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 11, wherein thesecond elongated opening comprises a second insertion opening, and asecond attachment opening connected with the second insertion opening,and the second link plate further comprises a second guiding portionconfigured to engage with the first groove of the first link pin toguide the first link pin between the second insertion opening and thesecond attachment opening, a fifth protrusion provided between thesecond insertion opening and the second attachment opening andconfigured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of the firsthead portion, and a sixth protrusion provided between the secondinsertion opening and the second attachment opening and configured to beslidable relative to an outer periphery of the first intermediateportion.
 19. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 18,wherein a third total length of the second guiding portion and the fifthprotrusion is defined in a second axial direction parallel to the secondcenter axis, and the third total length is longer than a first minimumaxial distance defined between the first head portion and the firstmain-body in a first axial direction parallel to the first center axis.20. The bicycle chain connecting link according to claim 19, wherein anaxial length of the sixth protrusion is defined in the second axialdirection, and the axial length of the sixth protrusion is shorter thanthe first minimum axial distance.
 21. The bicycle chain connecting linkaccording to claim 14, wherein the first protrusion is arranged to comeinto contact with the second head portion disposed in the firstattachment opening at a first timing, the second protrusion is arrangedto come into contact with the second intermediate portion disposed inthe first attachment opening at a second timing, the third protrusion isarranged to come into contact with the second head portion disposed inthe first attachment opening at a third timing, the fourth protrusion isarranged to come into contact with the second intermediate portiondisposed in the first attachment opening at a fourth timing, and atleast two of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, andthe fourth timing are different from each other.
 22. The bicycle chainconnecting link according to claim 14, wherein the first protrusion isarranged to come into contact with the second head portion disposed inthe first attachment opening at a first timing, the second protrusion isarranged to come into contact with the second intermediate portiondisposed in the first attachment opening at a second timing, the thirdprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the second head portiondisposed in the first attachment opening at a third timing, the fourthprotrusion is arranged to come into contact with the second intermediateportion disposed in the first attachment opening at a fourth timing, andat least two of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing,and the fourth timing are equal to each other.